The World Cup has always been an event which amalgamates different cultures to one place in a celebratory fashion. While there is obviously heartbreak and tears, there is also a sheer joy and passion that the game oozes.
The fact that this tournament comes every four years means that all the hype and expectations are slowly and steadily accumulated and then showcased on the grandest stage of them all.So here we are in Russia for a tournament that has been behaving crazily even before it began.
Four-time world champions Italy couldn’t qualify for the tournament and three-time finalists, the Netherlands, also faced a similar fate like the Italians. Once the World Cup began, we were greeted with more shocks as some not-so-big teams have made giants taste sand.
Overall, this is one of the craziest World Cups the world has ever seen. Sometimes, it feels like this World Cup is the football version of what happens when you let out millions of small kids without anyone watching over them.
1. Mexico 1-0 Germany
Germany came into this World Cup as the reigning champions and also with a great team. Unlike Spain in 2014, Germany actually also brought some younger players while also retaining the core that won the World Cup four years ago.
Granted, the exclusion of Leroy Sane was a bit shocking but apart from that, Jogi Low took a lot younger legs with him – unlike Vicente Del Bosque, whose stubbornness meant that Isco not only missed out of the World Cup in 2014 but also the Euro in 2016.
2. Croatia 1-1 Denmark
If this match happened in any of the last two World Cups, it would perhaps have ranked higher on this list. However, such has been the absurd randomness of this World Cup that a match of such improbability is just one of the many that happened at this World Cup.
3. Russia 1-1 Spain
Nobody expected Russia to beat Spain in the round of 16. Despite the fact that Spain have never beaten the hosts of a World Cup or Euro in that very tournament, Spain were expected to run over the Russians.
When Spain scored from an own goal, Russia's plans took a hit but they somehow got lucky and made a comeback – thanks to a moment of foolishness from Gerard Pique.
4. South Korea 2-0 Germany
Germany were dismantled by KoreaThe fact that the reigning champions have been a part of two crazy games just goes on to show how chaotic this World Cup has been.
The Germans are always known for being hard-working and never for a moment do they take anything for granted and be complacent as a result.
5. Belgium 3-2 Japan
And finally, the best game of the World Cup 2018 so far. Everyone expected Belgium to run over the Japanese stars. After all, the Red Devils are one of the favourites to win the trophy with the likes of Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne leading them.
However, when the Asian outfit scored two back-to-back goals in the second half, it seemed as though this World Cup had completely gone bonkers – but there was still much more to come.
#hivisasaworldcup